Winston Salem Times

High Point University issued the following announcement on September 02.

HIGH POINT, N.C., Sept. 2, 2021 – High Point University’s Department of Chemistry has earned the ACS (American Chemical Society) certification approval for their Bachelor of Science chemistry degree by the American Chemical Society’s Committee on Professional Training.

This certification recognizes that HPU’s chemistry program provides academic excellence to students, growing their intellectual, experimental and communication skills to become effective scientific professionals. Institutions with ACS-approved chemistry programs also attract top high school students looking to study at a college or university that has an established and rigorous program.

HPU’s chemistry department offers students many opportunities to prepare for the world as it’s going to be with access to state-of-the-art technology and undergraduate research opportunities guided by accomplished professors, as well as opportunities to publish and present research. The science programs have transformed since HPU President Nido Qubein began a total transformation in 2005, from attracting top faculty to resourcing them with the best facilities and equipment.

“From my freshman year until now, I’ve felt nothing but supported and encouraged in the scientific field, especially in the chemistry department,” says Jessica Emrich, a junior from New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. “This past year I’ve had the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research, both during the school year and over the summer, with Dr. Meghan Blackledge. These experiences are something I can’t imagine getting at another university and are a large reason why I love HPU.”

HPU Chem Accredidation 2

HPU’s chemistry department offers students many opportunities to grow through undergraduate research and experiential learning. From left to right are Katie Conner, a 2020 graduate, and Maxamillian Thomas, a 2018 graduate.

This certification also recognizes the leadership of the HPU faculty in the program to mentor students successfully in a caring environment. Dr. Brian Augustine, chair of the Department of Chemistry, led the certification efforts for the university.

“This certification is something that HPU has had as a goal for several years,” says Augustine. “This is a true testimony to the quality of the faculty and students in the chemistry department and is great for our students going forward. Certification of our bachelor’s degree in chemistry is a stamp of approval from the ACS that our curriculum is rigorous and modern.”

HPU’s chemistry department is housed in the Wanek School of Natural Sciences, which opened in 2019. The four-story, 128,000-square-foot facility is filled with state-of-the-art labs and instrumentation for biology, chemistry, physics, neuroscience and biochemistry majors.

Original source can be found here.